RADIO NOTES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 538, 23 May 1933, Page 6

RADIO NOTES

"KATHODE")

(By

One of the most comprehensive broadcasts yet attempted in the Southern Hemisphere will take place to-morrow evening, when stations in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands will be linked up to a control centre in Sydney to relay a specially arranged "Southern Seas" broadcast. For New Zealand listeners the programme will be received from the shortrwave station 2ME Sydney and relayed by -all the YA stations. The programme will commence at 9.30 p.m. New Zealand time and will finish shortly after midnight. The speakers will include H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught and the Go-vernors-General of New Zealand and Australia. If reception conditions are favourable this broadcast should provide a novel and interesting evening's entertainment.

In spite of the recent deeision which prevents B class stations from using certain brands of records for broadcast entertainment, they are still carrying on and rendering an excellent service to listeners in their various districts. On a recent visit to Auckland, the writer noticed that his host only tuned in to either of the two leading B class stations. On asking what about 1YA, the reply was, "We never bother with that, it is not worth listening to." On mentioning this matter to sevedal dealers, the opinion was expressed that a large majority of Auckland listeners never made use of the 1YA transmission and that they would not miss the station if it closed up. The solid financial supp-ort which is being given to the several B stations to keep them on the air is a sure indication that they are rendering a ser vice that is appreciated. Many months ago a representative : meeting of listeners appointed a committee to investigate several matters in connection with local reception, including the prospects of establishing a local transmitter, and a further meeting was to be called to h'ear their report. It is oot known what progress this committee made, hut certainly no report has come to hand. A federation of radio linsteners has now been formed with an initial membership1 of approximately 15,000, and it is to be hoped that a local enthusiast will see fit to convene a meeting of listeners at an early date with a vicw to forming a local club and linkien up with the new association.

The federation aims to represent the listeners solely. It is recognised j ' that reforms are necessary in order to permit the B class stations to carry on, but the federation will only support a scheme that will apply to all B stations in New Zealand, whether supported by listeners's clubs or run by business firms. The federation will seek to secure for listeners the best service possible and when necessary will make direct representation to the Broadcasting Bcard and the Post and Telegraph Department. It is generally known that Rotorua is one of the worst places in New Zealand for broadcast reception, and while individual complaints are useless it is possible that some -action might be taken by the

Broadcasting Board 11 a cumpiain. was laid by a body representing every listener in the district. The Australian University Rugby team at present touring New Zealand will play Victoria University College at Wellington on Wednesday. A running commentary will be broadcast by 2YA at 3 p.m. .Rugby matches will be relayed. by the YA stations at Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin on Saturday, while 3YA will relay the trotting mOeting at New Brighton. -On Thursday Wellington will broadcast a concert by the Tramways Band, while from the s'ame station on Saturday evening the second golfing talk recorded by Archie Compston will be' presented at approximately 9.2 p.m. The subjects of this talk are "The Secret of Approaching," and the "Secret of Good Putting." This should he of interest tq all golf enthusiasts. -J